What is the one thing you missed the most in the past few months? Is it visiting new places with your family, meeting new faces? Countless people had to put their travel plans on hold in light of their health situations. Tips that will allow you to stay safe while traveling during and after COVID. Take a look at this list of Safe and Sound Travels.
While the world is not back to where it was before lockdowns happened everywhere, it does show signs of movement. Some countries have reopened and accepted tourists with restrictions and protocols in place. Traveling within one’s country also has its rules and regulations for public health and safety.
By way of friendly reminder, should you pursue your travel plans or make new ones, here are essential tips to ensure a safe and meaningful trip for you and everyone around you.
Make Sure You Are Covered
The pandemic has changed the face of travel. This somewhat means additional funds to buy or prepare for the following.
Travel or medical insurance that covers COVID-19. This policy will pay for or reimburse the hospital bills, medications, and others incurred due to the infection. Make sure these and other preferred terms are in the contract prior to signing. If you don’t have travel or medical insurance yet, it’s best to talk to your insurance agent before the schedule of your trip. That way, you’ll be prepared in case you get infected with the virus and hospitalized during your trip.
“Stranded or delayed” money. This ought to cover food, water, and other essentials if you get stuck at the airport due to flight cancellations or delays. Also, check if you are entitled to compensation from the airlines.
Save or Raise Money
Keep an eye out for other costs when budgeting for the vacation. You can make use of the time before the departure to raise money, the easiest of which is online selling.
Online purchases have grown during the pandemic as more people are buying from their homes. An online business can be a good side hustle or a long-term venture. When you get back and seriously want to set up a shop online, start with the basics here.
You can also apply for some home-based jobs to earn some money while waiting for your trip. For example, if you love writing, you can work as a freelance writer during your free time to raise travel money.
Remember, the more money you raise, the more you can keep yourself financially covered in case an emergency or a safety hazard arises.
Read Up on the Coronavirus
How well do you know the coronavirus and its mode of transmission? There have been many developments since February or March, and guidelines are updated regularly. Keep yourself up-to-date on local and international news, and refresh your knowledge about the disease. Doing so helps you make critical decisions concerning aspects of your travel.
For now, information is your best shield against the virus and these:
- Handwashing
- Social distancing
- Wearing face masks and eye protection
Pack a COVID-19 Travel Kit
The presence of the virus heightens the need for personal hygiene and cleanliness. Reserve space in your bag for supplies on top of the usual medicine kit.
What goes into this COVID-19 pack?
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Wipes for your face and surfaces, like your phone and your seat
- Spare masks or reusable face masks
- Digital thermometer
- Disposable gloves
- Face shield or goggles
- Detergent for washing cloth masks
Do you need to wear PPE when boarding a plane? Naomi Campbell was seen in a hazmat in March, and some air travelers have worn one. Nowadays, designers make PPE-inspired clothes.
Ideally, you wear a hazmat to protect yourself against hazardous substances. Wearing PPEs on the plane can be uncomfortable and give one a false sense of security. Face masks or face shields remain the most recommended to wear.
Moreover, as the world has become an unsafe place due to certain circumstances, many people are not only concerned about wearing PPEs as protection against the coronavirus but they also consider wearing body armor for protection. Nowadays, ballistic protection is not only applicable to law enforcement officers.
Civilians can also wear them, especially while traveling to other places. For example, if you have a dangerous job or one that exposes you to shooting risks, using body armor may help keep you safe as you cross state boundaries. Thankfully, many companies sell a wide range of body armor like Level 4 body armor plates, that you may use as protection for your upcoming trip.
So, if you’re looking for a safe and sound travel experience, don’t forget to bring some pieces of safety equipment, which include PPEs to protect yourself against COVID-19 and body armor to safeguard yourself against shooting risks. Just make sure to know the applicable body armor laws in your destination country to avoid any legal trouble.
Observe Safe Distance
There’s simply no way to avoid people when you travel, be it on the plane, in the hotel, at restaurants, on the streets. However, you can minimize contact with others through these ideas.
- Take advantage of contactless payment or procedures.
- Use a rental car service.
- Book a private cabin or beach house.
- Opt for food delivery
- Follow the queue marks or two-meter distance between others when lining up for food or at the grocery store.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces, like elevator buttons, faucets, tables, telephones, and doors before using them. Use gloves when you need to use ATMs and grocery carts; make sure to dispose of the gloves afterward. And never miss washing your hands with soap.
Keep an Open Mind
These are extraordinary times, and things are always changing. Your flight may be canceled at the last minute due to new advisories, health protocols, and other guidelines in your destination. You may also be subjected to procedures other than what you have researched upon your arrival.
Those last-minute changes spell inconvenience and are cumbersome. However, traveling comes with a caution. If you have to pack a load of patience and understanding, do so.
For your sake and others, follow the proper procedures upon your arrival.
Do you have other tips to add? Let us know in the comments section.
Take a look at this other link to learn about how to stay safe on vacation.
